taoCMS™ Demo Site: Obituaries

Hilman Berg

Posted 3/30/11 (Wed)

Hilman Berg, 94, a longtime Watford City, N.D., resident, died Monday morning, March 21, 2011, at the McKenzie County Memorial Hospital in Watford City. Friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.fulkersons.com.
His funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 25, 2011, in the Watford City Assembly of God Church. Pastor Sheldon McGorman officiated, and burial took place in the Spring Creek Cemetery southeast of Watford City.
Hilman C. Berg was born on June 28, 1916, to Christopher and Anna (Johnson) Berg in Hillsboro, N.D. The family moved to Watford City in 1918, where they lived and farmed in the Spring Creek area. Hilman attended Shaw Country School through the eighth grade; after which he remained at home while working on the family farm and for neighboring farmers and ranchers. Later, he worked with the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) and on road crews constructing Highway 85 and various county roads south of Watford City.
After seeing Bernice Berg for the first time, he knew he had found his future bride, but she needed a little time to come around to his way of thinking. They were united in marriage on Nov. 8,1939, at the Lutheran Church in Watford City. Hilman and Bernice were active in the Spring Creek Lutheran Church for many years following. Together they raised their family while working hard on the farm. In 1979, they retired and moved to their home in Watford City. Hilman and Bernice celebrated 71 years of marriage in 2010.
Hilman received Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour in 1972. His relationship with his Heavenly Father was an important part of his life and an abiding source of strength. Hilman was a founding member of the Watford City Assembly of God Church, and he volunteered many hours to its construction. It was one of the biggest highlights of his life and he was very proud to have four generations of his family be part of the church.
Hilman was a very hard worker his entire life, and he took great pride in a job well done. He loved driving tractor and did so until he was 85 years of age. Hilman also enjoyed riding horses from the time he was a young boy, and spent many hours on the backs of his favorite ponies. Music was a constant source of enjoyment, and he often could be heard singing his favorite hymns or old cowboy songs. As a young man, he sang in a men’s quartet and the church choir. During his retirement years he wrote a book entitled Memories of a Dakota Cowboy, in which he shared many of his life memories.
Hilman is survived by his wife, Bernice, of Watford City; son, Alfred (Karen) Berg, of Watford City; daughters, Donna (Glenn) Solberg, of Zahl, N.D.; Delphine (David) Netzer, of Dickinson, N.D.; three grandchildren, Lisa (Doug) Barkie, Russell (Sara) Solberg, and Tanya (Lynn) Heiser; seven great-grandchildren, Marlie, Evan, Braden, Halie, Emma, Garrett, and Anika; sisters, Sally Transtrom, Edna Gast, and Annice Thomas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Inga Olson, Ruby Mortenson, and an infant sister, Julia.